I realize that i'll still need to drop another $70+ (?) on add-ons (notebook HD, new bios, cables, maybe CD) but is it still possible to hack these? I've read about the glued-on bios chips. Anything else I should know?

My purpose is to make a carputer for my livingroom with remote control features (TV, stereo, maybe some x10).

I actually just completed a project with one of these for the exact same reason. Mine is a v5 which means it has no epoxy on the bios but it needs a new bios chip completely (www.badflash.com sells them along with custom cables etc).

I ended up externally mounting my hard drive because it was a bit too thick and I didn't want to get a new heatsink. Also, to allow the IDE connector to fit with the stock headsink, I had to dremel a chunk out of it.. so you may want to get a new heatsink if you want to mount everything inside.

If you get any of the older ones with epoxy, I guess it IS possible to get it off.. it just takes a long time and you have to be very careful not to crack the socket. If you do, you will have to solder a new one on (yay, that sounds like fun ).